Pacific Battleship Center
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In Today's Update...

    • Visiting the State of Iowa
    • Gravely Experience Highlights
    • Upcoming Events

MAINTAINING A NATIONAL PRESENCE

Four adults stand behind a decorated sheet cake in an ornate room with golden walls and framed artwork. Two of them cut the cake together while smiling, capturing a joyful update in elegant surroundings. The group is dressed in formal attire, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Last week, members of the Pacific Battleship Center (PBC) team had the chance to visit the State of Iowa. We hosted a joint celebration of Battleship IOWA's 81st birthday and the inaugural presentation of the USS IOWA Lamberti Service Award, named for and presented to former board member Jeff Lamberti, whose dedication to saving our ship and helping set the organization on a path to success.

The event took place in the rotunda of the iconic Iowa capitol -adjacent to the featured 15' foot model of Battleship IOWA - and welcomed national and state officials to share a few words about the important role the ship continues to have, and about Jeff's commitment to service.

We are grateful for Ambassador Terry Branstad, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Senator Mike Bousselot, Representative Heather Hora, Representative Adam Zabner, Jeff Lamberti and his family, and the dozens of donors  who joined us for the afternoon.

A special thanks goes to PBC board members Becky Beach, Dan Kehl, Jeff Link, and Doug Herman for helping plan this wonderful event and to the people of the state of Iowa for welcoming us so warmly!

A group of eleven people pose indoors behind an updated, detailed ship model encased in glass, in a grand room with ornate decor, tall columns, and bright lighting.
A man gives an update at a podium with microphones in front of a display board about the USS Iowa Battleship, featuring photos and text in a well-lit room.
A man in a suit provides an update as he speaks at a podium with microphones in an ornate room. A flag and framed artwork are visible in the background.
A man gives an update as he speaks at a podium in front of an audience, with a large display board about the USS Iowa Battleship behind him in a well-lit room.
A woman wearing glasses and a gray jacket gives an update as she speaks at a podium in a formal room with a seal, microphone, and blurred background.
A man in a navy suit and striped tie speaks at a podium indoors, delivering an important update to the audience, with blurred attendees in the foreground and an ornate relief artwork in the background.
A man in a suit speaks at a podium with a microphone, providing an important update. Behind him is a display board with historical images and text, while an out-of-focus flag is visible on the right side.

GRAVELY EXPERIENCE LUNCHEON 2024

We celebrated a lot more than the ship's 81st birthday and the inaugural USS IOWA Lamberti Service Award on Feb. 22. We also held our annual Gravely Experience Student Luncheon.

Hosted by amazing attorney, author, podcast host, and PBC board member Tanya Acker, this year's event featured inspiring panelists Rear Admiral Sandy Adams, USN (Retired) and rapid transformation coach Dr. Kamin Samuel, the Navy's first female African American helicopter pilot, as well as moving messages from retired admirals Sinclair Harris and Michelle Howard.

An added element that drew surprised gasps from the 200 students representing from San Pedro High School, Narbonne High School, Synergy Quantum Academy, and Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy was the way we celebrate a birthday aboard the ship.

Admiral Adams drew a replica cutlass, and she and Admiral Shatynski proceeded to follow Navy tradition and cut the cake with it.

Never know what fun we have in store for next year, but next up: the announcement of our Gravely Student Essay competition goes out and in October, we award scholarship money to some deserving students!

Two people in uniform smile by a table with a cake and a sword at an outdoor event, standing in front of a large sign reading Gravel. This vibrant scene captures the latest update to their ongoing traditions.
People sit at round tables under a large outdoor tent, facing a stage with a Gravely Experience sign. Bottled water and food are on the tables. Some people appear to be listening attentively to speakers on the stage as they provide an important update.

Come Visit Us!

What's happening at Battleship IOWA? Check out our upcoming events. Click below for more information and to get involved.

LA FLEET WEEK

Memorial Day weekend is just over three months away and we've got big plans for it. Come join us for more fun that ever this year at LA's premiere FREE Memorial Day event!

LA HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

A classic film on a classic ship: join us Mar. 16 on the fantail for LA Harbor International Film Festival's presentation of Gene Kelly & Frank Sinatra in Anchors Aweigh.

NOTE: If you prefer not to donate electronically, please mail your check to:
Attention: Development Department, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731

Thank you to our 2022 donors for their generosity and support. Want to know how your donations are making a difference? Check out our ANNUAL REPORT here.

Want to see your name on the 2023 donor list? There's still time to make a tax-deductible contribution to our organization.

plank owner button

Fun Fact: Did you know... on average every one of our plank owners has contributed $150 to the National Museum of the Surface Navy?

Click below to learn more and join.

M
National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate

LIMITED TIME ONLY! Receive a digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.

Join Free. Earn Points.

Become a Surface Navy Museum and Battleship IOWA Patron and, for a limited time, receive a free digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.

Stay connected with special updates and invitations, earn points for your support, and redeem them for experiences, apparel, and more.